MBTA recently put into service a newly redesigned commuter rail train in Boston in the familiar maroon and yellow of the old Boston and Maine Railroad, blending regional rail heritage with up-to-date operation in a bid to attract commuters today.

Boston unveils historic commuter rail tribute design
The Boston and Maine Railroad train will hit the rails this week. MBTA

This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Boston’s rail heritage revived with train ideas

The new train carries the Minuteman logo and traditional color scheme first used by the Boston and Maine Railroad. The project, though, does not end there as the company plans to release another heritage-themed train later in the year.

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At its height, the Boston and Maine Railroad spanned more than 2,300 miles of track in use, linking cities in the region of New England. As such, the tribute reflects on the company’s influence on regional culture, economy, and transportation.

Boston commuter rail upgrades and modernization

Aside from the celebration of culture, MBTA is upgrading locomotives with sophisticated brake technology, cameras, and diagnostics. Concurrently, refurbished F40 trains from the late 1980s are being brought back in service in upgraded “like-new” form.

Heritage trains are the remaining three out of a 37-rebuilt locomotive collection. On the drawing board are also designs in the shape of the New Haven Railroad and New York Central Railroad to travel alongside Boston’s tribute train, a roaming rail museum.

Why did Boston release a heritage train design?

Boston introduced the design in a commemorative tribute to the Boston and Maine Railroad and historic railroads alike, to preserve their cultural and economic impact for commuters today.

How many heritage trains are currently in service?

Three custom-designed trains will run by the end of the year and will portray the Boston and Maine Railroad, the New Haven Railroad, and the New York Central Railroad.

Is the Boston commuter rail equipment being upgraded?

Yes. MBTA is refurbishing old F40 locomotives to a “like-new” level for safe and predictable operation and is upgrading the fleet with advanced diagnostics, cameras, and a superior braking system.

Source: www.boston.com

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